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Published on 10/15/2025
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Nepal Triumphs Over Oman in Thrilling T20 World Cup Qualifier Clash (Oct 15, 2025)
Nepal Triumphs Over Oman in Thrilling T20 World Cup Qualifier Clash (Oct 15, 2025) :
In a highly anticipated encounter at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Nepal National Cricket Team showcased their prowess by defeating the Oman National Cricket Team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier. This Super Six stage match, while not directly determining qualification for either side — as both had already secured their berths in the 2026 T20 World Cup — was crucial for momentum and bragging rights. Nepal emerged victorious by a margin of 38 runs, delivering a compelling performance.
The pre-match buzz was considerable, with both teams entering the contest on the back of strong performances in the qualifier. Nepal had already clinched nail-biting victories against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, demonstrating their resilience. Similarly, Oman had also maintained an unbeaten record, securing wins against Qatar and the UAE.
Nepal's Batting Masterclass: Kushal Bhurtel Leads the Charge :
Winning the toss, Nepal's captain Rohit Paudel elected to bat first, a decision that paid dividends through a spirited batting effort. Opener Kushal Bhurtel was the star of Nepal's innings, crafting a splendid 69 runs off 51 balls, which included vital boundaries and strong running between the wickets. His innings provided the much-needed stability and impetus, allowing Nepal to post a competitive total.
However, Nepal's innings wasn't without its challenges, as Oman's bowlers managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals. Nadeem Khan was particularly impressive for Oman, tearing through the Nepali batting line-up with a four-wicket haul, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs. Despite these breakthroughs, contributions from other Nepali batters helped them reach a respectable score of 151/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Oman's Chase and Nepal's Dominant Bowling Display :
Chasing 152 for victory, Oman's batting lineup struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Nepali bowling attack. Vinayak Shukla showed some resistance with 31 runs from 19 balls, but he lacked significant support from the other end. The pressure mounted steadily as Nepal's bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, making scoring difficult.
Nepal's bowlers collectively delivered a stellar performance, with Gulshan Jha leading the charge with an impressive spell of 3 wickets for 31 runs. Nandan Yadav also contributed significantly, bagging 2 wickets for just 19 runs, further stifling Oman's chase. The combined effort ensured that Oman was restricted to 113/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 38 runs.
A Glimpse into the Future: Both Teams Set for T20 World Cup 2026 :
This match, while a victory for Nepal, also served as a testament to the growing strength of associate cricket nations. Both Nepal and Oman had already secured their qualification for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Their progression was confirmed before this game, largely due to other results in the Super Six stage, highlighting their consistent performances throughout the tournament.
Nepal's journey included a landmark series victory against the West Indies in September 2025, marking their first-ever win against a full ICC member nation in T20Is. Oman too has shown significant progress, with competitive showings against strong teams. These achievements underscore their rising stature in international cricket and promise exciting performances on the global stage of the T20 World Cup.